It is the last few weeks of summer; send it out with a bang. If you live in an apartment in Mooresville, NC you are conveniently located right near Lake Norman. With so many outside activities to do in the State Park and around the Lake, it will be easy to send the kids back to school with fun things to talk about and plenty of Vitamin D.

At Lake Norman State Park, fun is easy. This is the largest manmade lake in the state. When filled to capacity, its surface area is 32,510 acres with a shoreline of 520 miles, no wonder it is nicknamed the “Inland Sea”. Thirteen miles of the shoreline are in the state park, which provides boating access. Enjoy biking, swimming, boating and fishing all day, any day here.

The park also has its own 33-acre lake where people enjoy fishing and boating. And with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, interpretive programs and campgrounds, there's more to Lake Norman State Park than just water.

Pedal boats and canoes are available for rent all summer long. Private boats can be put in the lake at the boat launch area at the south end of the lake. Popular game fish in Lake Norman include crappie, bluegill and yellow perch, as well as striped, largemouth and white bass. The smaller park lake also has some choice fishing spots.

A swim area is located in the south area of the park near an accessible fishing pier and the pier picnic area. The complex includes a 125-yard-long sand beach, parking area and bathhouse with concession stand, restrooms, changing stalls, warm showers and lockers. The swim complex is open daily through Oct. 31.

So before school begins, take advantage of all there is to do in your neighborhood.